Inspired by science fiction writers such as Isaac Asimov to envision a world in which humans were assisted by robots in all aspects of life, Engelberger was a tireless advocate for robotics. The innovations Engelberger introduced were a major factor in the rise of the Japanese auto industry, where the use of robotics was enthusiastically embraced in the post-war era. Early on, he asked the one question that continues to transform the industry: ‘Do you think a robot could do that?’ Inspired by Joe’s insights, researchers have answered ‘yes’ and developed the amazing robotics applications found worldwide today.”Įngelberger’s industrial applications fundamentally changed the automotive manufacturing sector, introducing robotics that enabled carmakers to achieve greater efficiency and precision with the use of robotic arms on assembly lines. Joe envisioned robots based on insects and birds decades ago - developments that we are finally seeing today. He was years ahead of his time in his vision of how robots could be designed and used both inside and outside the factory. “Because of Joe, robotics became a global industry that has revolutionized the way things are made. “Joe Engelberger made some of the most important contributions to technological advancement in the history of the world,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), an organization Engelberger was instrumental in founding. Widely known as the father of the modern robotics industry, Engelberger worked closely with inventor George Devol, licensing patents and developing the first industrial robot in the United States under the brand name “Unimate.” The technology was originally adopted for industrial use in a General Motors plant in 1961 and was later deployed at factories worldwide, where it transformed modern manufacturing processes. Engelberger was also the founder of HelpMate Robotics, Inc., which was later acquired by Cardinal Health. Engelberger was founder and president of Unimation, Inc., the world’s first industrial robotics manufacturer, which he launched in 1956 and grew into a company with more than 1,000 employees before the enterprise was acquired by Westinghouse. Engelberger, an engineer and entrepreneur who pioneered the robotics field, died December 1, 2015, in Newtown, Connecticut at age 90.